At least a dozen staffers wore T-shirts that read, "#Comeyismyhomey" to the bureau's Family Day event Monday in Washington. On the back of the T-shirts a quote attributed to Comey read: "We choose to do good for a living."

Comey was fired abruptly in May by President Donald Trump because the president said he needed to restore "public trust and confidence" in the FBI.

Comey has since testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee investigating possible collusion by Russia in the presidential election that Trump told him he "expected loyalty." Comey also said the president asked for him to end the investigation into former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn.

Comey had the agency's backing even after he was fired despite the White House's claim that he had lost confidence of "rank and file" employees.

"Director Comey enjoyed broad support within the FBI, and still does to this day," acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe testified at a Senate hearing in May.